Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1887-02-23
GEN. LEE AS A TEACHER.
AN Address BY COL. VIM. ALLAN BEFORE
THE COUNTY TEACHERS ASSOCIATION.
Reported for the Baltimore SUM-

Reported for the Baltimore SUM-
The Baltimore County Teachers Asso-
citation began their quarterly meeting yes
terday at the Young Mems Christian AS
sociation Hall, Mr.. E. G. Cover, president,
and Mr.. Bergman, secretary. There was
musical and Literary programme in addi-
ton to some business proceedings. Mr..
E. G. Comegys, Miss Alice A. Chick and
Prof. Michael G.. Stieff entertained the
meeting with music; Mr.. J. E. ebert Smith
with an essay, and Mr.. F. Harrison with
humorous recitation.
Col. WIN. Allan, principal of the Me-
Donough Institute, delivered an address on
Gen. Robert E. Lee as teacher. He said
the highest function of great lives is in the
best and wisest sense to teach. Gen Lee
was superintendent of West Point Military
Academy three years, and of Washington
College five years, from 1865 until bis death,
thus having Taught eight years, twice as
long as the memorable years in which he
engraved his name so deeply az one of the
worlds greatest heroes and soldiers. Ma
ture was prodigal in her gifts to Robert E.
Lee. He was no less remarkable for exter-
nal graces of person than for vigor and
clearness of intsllect. His figure was a
model of physical proportions and ease and
gracefulness OF motion, said one who knew
him closely. never saw Gen. Lee in an
ungraceful attitude. I never heard him ut
ter word, in jest even, that could not be
spoken in his parlor. He had that clear
ness, breadth of comprehension and good
sense, that level headedness, so to speak,
without which no soldier ever distinguish
ed himself. His was the best balanced
mind I ever knew. Rarely was he betray-
cd infn Of
then in but momentary flashes. Ono of
these occasions produced a piece of humor
from the serious Gen. jackson. Lee seeing
a straggler with stolen pig, ordered an
officer to take him to Gen. jackson, to
whose command be belonged, and have
him "immediately shot," jackson, with
grim humor, returned the, reply that he
chad sent the man to the front for execu-
ton by the enemy" Lee once said to Col.
Taylor, "You must not lose your temper
because lost NINE" He was free from
small fobles as well as greater faults. He
never used tobacco and wine, only lightly.
He taught by example as well as precept,
and thought example better than precept
As a commander he was often stern, lnflex-
lille and exacting of duty. But he would
permit no Injuries for himself when his
men had not enough. In the army his
cook once borrowed piece of bacon for a
special dinner, to be returned if not used
At college his rule was never enforced BY
by harshness of language. He made it
point to know every student, and his
memory was tenacious. He had great aver
sion to all display. He encouraged the tenn
perance societies and Young Mems Chris
tian Association for the benefit of his stu
dents. He would never ask for anything
for his kinsmen, and would not ask for his
sons release as prisoner by the federal
authorities, though wounded and his wife
dying, when he could not do the same for
others. He would not pass tollgate with
out finding the keeper to pay his toll. A
vote of thanks was given Col. Allan and
othare